INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The tension is increasing for the Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) as they head into their bye week, looking for answers after yet another heart-wrenching one-score loss.

Despite a comeback from a 27-6 deficit in the second half, the Bengals fell to the Los Angeles Chargers 34-27 during a thrilling Sunday night game. This marked Cincinnati’s sixth defeat by just one score this season.

After the game, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was asked about the team’s struggle to close out tight games, and he replied, “Ask Zac (Taylor). Ask the coaches. Don’t ask me. That’s not my job. I play football on the field. I don’t call plays for us, you know? So I can’t really do anything.”

Chase recorded seven receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns, while Tee Higgins added nine catches for 148 yards and another touchdown. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure a win after a strong second-half effort.

This loss epitomizes the Bengals’ troubling season. Out of their seven losses, six have been by a margin of seven points or fewer.

When asked if he could explain the team’s close losses, Bengals coach Zac Taylor said, “I can’t. I wish I could. You know, what I just keep telling the team is, ‘At some point, this has got to help us. At some point, we need to gain some momentum and go on a run. We have to reach a place where we can look back and learn from it.’ We never want to frame a loss as a positive, but we have to extract some benefit from these experiences. We’ve faced tough opponents and need to figure out a way to finish these games. I keep repeating that we’re just a play away every time, but I still believe we can turn this around.”

As the Bengals prepare for their Week 12 bye, they have a chance to reevaluate. However, their playoff hopes are dwindling, as they are five games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers and three behind the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. Each loss makes it less likely for them to secure a wild-card spot. The New York Times reports that Cincinnati’s chances of making the playoffs have plummeted to just 22%.

“We know where we stand. I’m not pleased with our position,” Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said. “I don’t think anyone is, but all we can do is come back on Monday and strive to improve.”

Burrow currently leads the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns. Chase is at the top in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Regrettably for the Bengals, these impressive stats haven’t converted into victories.

When asked if this is his most frustrating season in the NFL, Burrow answered simply: “Yes.”